What is a Mortgage Calculator?  A mortgage calculator is a tool meant to help you estimate your monthly mortgage payment. In general, mortgage calculators will have you fill in basic information, such as the home’s purchase price, down payment, loan term, and the...

So, you’re looking to refinance your mortgage. Or, maybe you’ve heard about the low interest rates and are wondering if now is the perfect time to start the process. Whatever the case, it’s important to know the steps that go into refinancing your mortgage, and how to...

When purchasing and financing a home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll be faced with is choosing which loan type to use to finance your new home. While there are many different loan types to choose from, fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are...

After your documents are sorted and prepared by a loan processor, the next step in the mortgage approval process is mortgage underwriting. This step is arguably the most important in the process because it ultimately determines whether your home loan is approved or...

Over the past few months, our team has covered how to get pre-approved for a mortgage and how to work with a real estate agent to shop for homes in your price range and sign a purchase agreement. We’ve been working to demystify the home buying and mortgage process for...

A few weeks ago, we wrote about the importance of obtaining a pre-approval letter before shopping for a home, as this will give you a better idea of how much house you can afford, and signal to sellers that you’re serious about buying a home. Once you have a...

Smart shoppers start their home buying journey at a lender’s office, not by browsing on a home listing service, like Zillow or Trulia. Why is that so? Buyers who consult with a lender and become pre-approved for a mortgage first benefit immensely from understanding...

You’ve found the perfect home and the seller has accepted your offer. You’ve submitted all the necessary paperwork, your credit has been checked, and now you’re awaiting the final and most anticipated step in the mortgage and home buying process - closing. To empower...

U.S. Home prices are soaring and affordable homes are in short supply. Dane County is no exception as real estate agents are seeing an extraordinary demand for homes in the Madison area. Bidding wars between home buyers and increased home prices might make some...

Your credit score plays a large role in your financial future, especially when it comes to purchasing a home. A higher credit score can help you qualify for home loans with lower interest rates and save you money in the long run. It’s important to understand there is...

The prime home buying season has arrived and because we’re currently in a seller’s market, it’s important to understand what’s ahead as you enter the home buying process. Although a mortgage professional will be available to walk you through your financing options,...

You’ve already determined your eligibility for a VA home loan and have reviewed the steps to take to apply. You know a VA home loan is the right option for you, but did you know there are several benefits provided by the Veterans Administration for those obtaining a...

The lack of homes for sale around Wisconsin is making home buying a challenge this spring. This is because we're currently in a seller's market, where there’s a shortage of properties in the face of rising demand, resulting in pricing power for the seller.  In this...

The prime home-buying season is just around the corner. To ensure you remain competitive in the housing market this year, it’s important to prepare yourself and understand the mortgage approval process ahead of time.  Obtaining a home loan, especially if you’re a...

As a renter, it can be tiresome putting your hard-earned money into your landlord’s pockets each month, but it beats paying thousands on a new home each month, right? At first glance, renting may seem to be the smartest and least expensive option compared to buying,...